"Automatic shifting too fast"

**audiluxary** · 01-06-2010 04:44 PM

I have a 01 1.8t tiptronic trans. The problem is when it's cold out the vehicle shifts but not until higher RPM's. When the vehicle is warmed up the vehicle shifts fine except from 2nd to 3rd. The trans will shift from 2nd to 3rd gear iin like a 10th of a second and you can feal it, all other gears seem to shift fine. What could cause the shifting from 2nd to 3rd to be so fast, it's like it doesn't like 2nd gear and just throws itself up into 3rd.

-Trans fluid was changed about 3-4000 miles ago, car now has 94,000 miles on it.

**walky_talky20** · 01-06-2010 07:02 PM

Does it shift perfectly in tiptronic mode?

Does it do it if you are light on the throttle, or full acceleration (WOT)? Both?

The slow or delayed shifting when cold is normal.

These transmissions use the lock-up torque converter in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th gears. This can create the feeling of 2 rapid shifts "per gear". The shift.....and then the lockup very shortly after that. When the lockup occurs, the rpms drop a bit, almost like a shift.

I experience this "double shift" phenomenon quite often on my car. Mostly in 2nd and 3rd gear, under light to moderate acceleration. It is very smooth and only noticeable if you listening for it. The TC lock-up also very apparent in tiptronic mode when you set it in 3rd gear and slow down (continuous braking) until *just above* the speed which it will downshift to 2nd gear for you, then hit the gas. The car is still in 3rd gear, but it is really quite a high gear for the situation. Because of this (and the fact that the TCU has seen the brake pedal applied for a bit) the torque converter is unlocked and the revs climb quickly. Then the tiptronic logic will lock-up the torque converter as early as possible. This results in a perceptible jolt and a large and quick rpm change all while in 3rd gear. This happens most often when I forget I'm in Tip mode, and negotiate a turn. Brake for the turn, coast through turn, step back on the gas, engine revs....and *slam* when the converter locks. It catches me off guard all the time. I should say the "slam" is quite smooth, nothing dramatic, but noticeable to me and usually not the passengers.

So I guess my point is: are you sure it is actually skipping 2nd gear? Or could you be mistaking it for a TC lock-up?

**audiluxary** · 01-07-2010 08:47 AM

Thanks for the response. I don't notice it in tip-mode, only in automatic. It doesn't skip 2nd gear, it shifts from 1st to second at a little over 3000 rpm and then when it'sin 2nd it shifts into 3rd at a low rpm very quickly and then threst of the gears are pretty normal. I feel it only during slow normal driving not when I step on it.

I read something on vortex about a TCU reset through vag but did not work.

**calvin1.8t** · 01-07-2010 09:20 AM

it shifts at low RPM's when its cold because it wont let the engine rev high, unless your WOT, until its warm.

**walky_talky20** · 01-07-2010 10:05 AM

I believe there is a way to recode the transmission for slightly different shift points. As it is, our tiptronic transmissions have a learning mode: if you drive aggressively for a bit, it will switch to the sportier shift points (delayed). If you drive all slow-like it will switch to the granny shift points (early). I believe there is a way in vag-com to recode it so it starts in the sport mode, which you may like better.

Also, I feel like I am downplaying your complaint a bit here: brushing it off as a minor preference issue with the shift points. If it is obvious to you that there is something very wrong, then my advice isn't helping (what else is new, eh?).

First thing to do is check for codes in the TCU. Next thing would be to verify proper tranny fluid level, and correct tranny fluid type.

**Altech75** · 01-07-2010 01:04 PM

My transmission will randomly refuse to go into gear, and then slam into it. Other time's it will think it's in fifth when it's actually in fourth. It does this while in both modes and during any sort of acceleration. It especially loves to slam into gear whenever I make a hard stop, or even just a mildly aggressive one.

I plan on checking the TCU this weekend to make sure it's not wet or partially connected. Any idea's what it could be?

**audiluxary** · 01-07-2010 03:15 PM

walky talky20, I always appreciate your advise but yes I believe somthing is wrong, the vehicle never shifted like this before and now I can feel it, I am trying to figure out why it is just in that gear change and not the rest of them. I guess I should bring it to get the fluid checked, maybe it's just a little to much or less, I mo that can effect it alot.

**somebody5788** · 01-07-2010 03:21 PM

It's most likely wiring to the solenoids in the transmission. Went through this on a tip Jetta. Ended up replacing a solenoid and the wiring harness internally only to find out it was part of the external harness shorting. Get it to a good shop.

**audiluxary** · 01-07-2010 05:55 PM

I've been reading alot and the problem that I can compare to is what people are talking about with adaptive drive style. I had the fluid flushed and some seals replaced awhile ago and I drove normal for a little while then I got my K04 software sorted out and drove it hard for a little while. I had my tranny multifuntion switch changed awhile ago and have driven realy conservative since then do to bad coil packs, vacuum/boost leaks and some different stuff. I finaly got everything running correctly and now I think my tcu has learned my granny driving and my TC catches which makes it shift like that.

How do I reset my TCU so it can learn my agressive way of driving. If this does not work it's going to the shop.

**walky_talky20** · 01-07-2010 06:47 PM

If it is shifting into 3rd that early, it must really bog down, eh?

First thing I'd do is check TCU and ECU codes, and clear both (even if no codes exist). On our ECU's, hitting "clear codes" will reset learned fuel trims. I'm not sure, but perhaps clearing codes on the TCU will do the same for the adaptive shift points. I don't know of any other way to "reset" a TCU.

You can also log the measuring blocks in the TCU with vag-com. It has info like current gear, TC lock or unlock, fluid temp, and more. For example, when the MFS is faulty the TCU will often show the incorrect gear.

The only other thing I can think of is corrosion on the transmission connector for the solenoids, or perhaps a dirty or faulty solenoid that isn't moving properly. I know the A8 guys have tranny troubles so they change the fluid and clean the solenoids by hand and often. The 2 connectors for the tranny are very close to the road: 1 for the solenoids and 1 for the MFS. I'd make sure both are nice and clean inside and free of corrosion.

When you had the fluid changed, did you just drain and refill? Or did you have any sort of "flush" done?

**audiluxary** · 01-07-2010 07:09 PM

No codes have been present at all on engine or auto trans. I just had the MFS changed a little while ago and it ran fine afterwards. I had a shop do the fluid change and I don't tink they flushed, just drain and refill (a respected shop).

And yes it does BOG down alot when it shifts so quickly.